UK musicians revive 1984’s Band Aid song for Ebola relief fund

Ebola Outbreak

The United Kindgdom’s leading musicians gathered together to revive the classic song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” to help the victims of Ebola. It was first recorded 30 years ago, raising millions of dollars in aid for the victims of famine in Ethiopia. 

The words have been changed to reflect the dangers of contact with the Ebola virus. CCTV America’s Richard Bestic reported the story from London.

New version, same goal

It was an all-star event, with the opening lyric voiced by members of the current British teen sensation One Direction. The aim was to reach the U.K.’s treasured Christmas number one spot and in the process raise millions for the battle against Ebola.

The disease has killed more than 5,000 people — the vast majority in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia — and continues to spread.

A blast from the past

On its original release three decades ago, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was sung by the big names of the day and raised $11 million for the victims of famine in Ethiopia. The single’s success led to Band Aid, a transatlantic concert that raised $100 million more.

U2’s Bono is the only member of the original lineup to appear on the latest version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The new song contains lyrics that highlight the dangers of contact with the victims of Ebola, such as “where a kiss of love can kill you and there’s death in every tear.”